BYD approves Dolphin Mini for South Africa as renamed Atto 1
BYD's smallest electric vehicle, the Atto 1, is heading to South Africa in September as its most affordable product and EV.
What is it?
Billed by as a cool, fun-loving, compact EV for the big city, the Atto 1, known as the Dolphin Mini in China and Dolphin Surf in other markets, measures 3 990 mm in length and 1 720 mm in width, dimensions comparable to that of the all-electric Mini Cooper, though shorter and narrower than the GWM Ora 03 and BYD's current most affordable EV, the Dolphin.
ALSO READ: BYD Shark dethrones Ford Ranger Raptor as fastest bakkie in SA
Equipped with the firm's Blade Battery, available in either 30 and 42.2-kWh capacity, the former in 300-volt and 288-volt, and the latter in 288-volt guises, BYD claims operating ranges of 220 km, 322 km and 310 km for the aforementioned derivatives, respectively.
Funky Atto 1 will have a range 322 km in its longest range battery form. Image: paultan.org
While the smaller battery can receive up to 65 kW at a DC fast charging station, the larger battery can receive up to 85 kW. At such a facility, a 10-80% recharge takes 30 minutes, BYD says.
Exclusively available in front-wheel-drive, the Atto 1 models' permanent synchronous electric motor produces 65 kW in 300-volt and 288-volt 30-kWh guises, and 115 kW in the 42.2-kWh model.
Interior will have BYD's familiar rotating infotainment display. Image: paultan.org
The firm claims 0-100 km/h sprint times of 11.1, 12.1 and 9.1 seconds for these derivatives, respectively.
Likely price
However, while the Shenzhen automaker's South African arm has remained tight-lipped about how much the Atto 1 will cost once it arrives, reports from its home market have suggested what we can expect.
According to reports from China, BYD is hoping to launch the Atto 1 in South Africa for under R400 000, which will make it one of the most affordable EV passenger cars in our market.
NOW READ: Plans soon: BYD tipped to expand South African footprint
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